48-Hour Film Challenge and film workshops return to upcoming Las Cruces Film Festival

Showcase what you can create in just two days with the Las Cruces International Film Festival 48-Hour Film Challenge. Presented by the Creative Media Institute of New Mexico State University and LCIFF, the challenge aims to push your creativity to the limit and see what your team can do in a short amount of time.

Filmmakers from Las Cruces, El Paso and Juarez are encouraged to participate in the challenge. There is no age requirement or size limit to participating teams. Those interested can register now at no cost.

A mandatory safety meeting will kick off the challenge. Teams will meet at 6 p.m. Friday, April 7 in the Milton Hall Lobby. Participants will have 48 hours to write, shoot and edit a short film.

Once the 48 hours are up, teams will have to return the short film on a flash drive no later than 6 p.m. Sunday, April 9.

All teams who successfully complete films and follow rules will have their films screened during the festival from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 15 at the Allen Theaters, Cineport 10. During the screenings, the audience will have the chance to vote on their favorite films.

The winners will be announced during the LCIFF award ceremony at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 15 at the Rio Grande Theatre. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winning teams. First place will receive $400, second $250, third $100 and the audience award will also receive $100.

The 48-hour challenge is not the only way participants can sharpen their skills. Several workshops will be offered on April 14, the third day of the festival, at the Allen Theaters, Cineport 10.

Workshops include: “Independent Filmmaking Workshop” with Alexandra Boylan, Danielle Burgio, Keagan Karness and Jenn Garcia at 10 a.m., “Marketing your Film” with Alexandra Boylan at 2 p.m., “Directing for Film and Television” with Kevin Reynolds and “The Count of Monte Cristo” with Keven Reynolds. At 4:30 p.m.

Other events during the festival include the opening night screening of “Land of Dreams,” “A Conversation” and special screening with Giancarlo Esposito and a casting call panel.